Virtual Reality (VR) refers to a way of taking pictures, then editing those pictures in software programs so the viewer can have a "virtual" experience.

Terms & Definitions

Fisheye lens: A lens that displays 185 degrees of a scene.

Hemisphere (or fisheye): One picture taken with a fisheye lens. Hemispheres are always shot in pairs by pointing the camera in one direction, then pointing the camera in exactly the opposite direction.

Panorama (or pano): A pair of hemispheres "stitched" together using VR software. Each hemisphere will display 185 degrees of a scene, for a total of 370 degrees.

Quicktime VR: An image file format that allows you to manipulate a panorama to see it from different angles.

VR Tour: A series of panos that are linked together. Click here to see a VR tour of the Bethune Media Center. Click here to see a VR tour of the Mission at Tumacacori, Arizona

Pano Head: a type of tripod head that allows you to shoot precise hemispheres.

Creating VR Projects in PESD #1

• Check out a VR kit from Instructional Technology. A VR kit includes:
  • Camera, fisheye lens, tripod, & panohead.
  • Laptop with VR editing software. You cannot create a VR project on a PESD desktop computer or one of the "regular" laptops.
• Assemble the camera and tripod.
• Shoot your hemispheres.
• Transfer hemispheres from your camera to your laptop.
• Use the Panoweaver software to create panoramas and Quicktime VRs.
• Use the Tourweaver software to create VR tours.
• Export your final product to a CD, flash drive, Web, etc. to be seen by your adoring fans.

Tips on Shooting Hemispheres

• Turn off the flash.
• Set white balance.
• Manually adjust the aperture and shutter speed (you can't just "point and shoot") before every shot.
• Keep your lenses clean.
• Compose your shot so there is something interesting in the foreground.